Estimation of Modulus of the Caved Rock for Underground Coal Mines by Back Analysis using Numerical Modelling

Abstract

In the present work, an attempt has been made to estimate the equivalent deformability modulus of the caved rock. Fifteen published cases of strata monitoring depillaring panels of Indian coalfields have been taken for simulation. All the cases have been simulated by choosing the appropriate deformability modulus of the caved rock, to match with the field observation in terms of the induced stress. It has been found from the analysis that the equivalent deformability modulus of the caved rock is having exponential relationship with cavability index of overlying strata. A vertical stress profile on the pillars in a typical panel has been presented to show the stress distribution pattern at different depillaring stages. © 2015, The Institution of Engineers (India).